Car-eagle collisions concerning

Road kill plays an important role in this disturbing trend. Eagles opportunistically feed on the road killed animals that line Michigan's highways and there is no shortage of food, especially deer. According to insurance provider State Farm, Michigan drivers are the fourth most likely in the United States to hit a deer, at the rate of 1 in 72.4 cars.

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By Mark Spencley

Cheboygan Daily Tribune - Cheboygan, MI

By Mark Spencley

Posted Jan. 28, 2013 at 9:52 PM

By Mark Spencley
Posted Jan. 28, 2013 at 9:52 PM

By MARK SPENCLEY

mark@cheboygantribune.com

Bald eagles have long been a symbol of freedom and strength for Americans, but until fairly recently they were a rare sight in northern Michigan.

Now that bald eagle numbers are on the rise, especially in northern Michigan, the increasing number of eagle/car collisions is concerning some biologists.

According to study information released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the number of eagles killed by cars has startlingly high for nearly 20 years. Between 1987 and 2008, vehicles accounted for 222 out of 774, or 29 percent, of all eagle deaths in Michigan.

Road kill plays an important role in this disturbing trend. Eagles opportunistically feed on the road killed animals that line Michigan's highways and there is no shortage of food, especially deer.

According to insurance provider State Farm, Michigan drivers are the fourth most likely in the United States to hit a deer, at the rate of 1 in 72.4 cars.

This leaves plenty of roadside food for Michigan eagles.

"Michigan drivers, especially in the northern part of the state, should be aware that eagles are often along our roadsides and can help out by taking necessary steps to help reduce eagle mortality," said DNR Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason. "Slowing your vehicle if you happen to spot an eagle near road kill is a good start."

According to DNR information, the dead of winter, which is just beginning, is prime time for vehicle related eagle deaths.

During open water months, eagles rely on catching fish as well as feeding on dead animals for most of their diet, but when winter hits and the lakes freeze, eagles resort to more scavenging. Roadsides are the most fruitful locations for winter scavenging, which create a dangerous situation for both eagles and drivers.

Increasing efforts to keep roadsides clear of road kill will help reduce eagle mortality, but according to Jack Dingledine, of the East Lansing Field Office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a multifaceted approach will have the greatest impact.

"There is no one solution that will completely eliminate vehicle-caused mortality in Michigan," he said in a DNR release. "But efforts from all sides, including help from the driving public, can reduce vehicle-caused eagle mortality."